The White House recently faced criticism from pop singer Sabrina Carpenter after using her song “Juno” in a video promoting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Carpenter, 26, condemned the video as “evil and disgusting,” calling for her music to not be utilized to advance what she termed an “inhumane agenda.”
Background on the Controversy
On December 2, Carpenter took to social media to express her outrage over the White House’s post, which featured footage of individuals being detained by ICE while her song played. She emphasized the negative connotations of the video and urged for the separation of her artistic work from politically charged agendas.
Response from the White House
The White House responded to Carpenter’s comments through Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson. In her statement, Jackson referenced a line from Carpenter’s song “Manchild,” stating that the administration would not apologize for deporting criminals, including murderers and rapists. Jackson’s remarks suggested a defense of the government’s stance on immigration enforcement.
Similar Incidents with Other Artists
- Olivia Rodrigo similarly criticized the White House in November for using her song “all-american bitch” to promote self-deportation among undocumented immigrants.
- Rodrigo labeled the use of her music as promoting “racist, hateful propaganda” and received a response from a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.
Impact on Carpenter’s Reputation
Sabrina Carpenter, a Grammy-winning artist, has gained significant popularity recently, particularly following her 2024 single “Espresso.” In previous performances, she expressed her concern about the state of the country, addressing audiences with messages of solidarity and support.
This ongoing discourse highlights the rising tensions between artists and government entities regarding the appropriations of music in political contexts. As public figures, artists like Carpenter and Rodrigo continue to advocate for the separation of their creative expressions from political messaging.
